How to Choose the Best Decorative Stones for Landscaping

Choosing stones wisely when landscaping is essential since several components, like size, color, function, and climate, play a critical part in achieving the right look. Selecting the best decorative stones for landscaping doesn’t need to be complicated – our blog post today can help you pick the right stones for home or commercial landscaping.

Picking Decorative Stones for Your Landscape

There is a wide range of decorative stones out there. Before making a big decision and spending a lot of money, make sure to read our top tips:

1. Outline the Uses for the Stones

Understanding what purpose the stones serve will help narrow your options. Here are some of the most popular purposes of putting stones in landscaping:

• Paved Pathways and Walkways: Flat stones such as river rock or flagstone provide an excellent walking surface. Additionally, they have great drainage, which prevents puddles or mud. 
• Flower Beds and Mulch Supplantation: Small pebbles or crushed rocks work perfectly as soil protectors from weeds and excessive moisture. Unlike organic mulch, stones don’t decompose over time, making them the ideal option.
• Rock Gardens and Decorative Accents: Boulders and other large stones serve as incredible landscape focal points while maintaining usability in modern or rustic landscape designs.

2. Choose Stone Size

The size of decorative stones influences their use and appearance within a landscape. Stones are typically grouped into three classes:

• Small Stones (1/4” – 1”) include pea gravel, crushed granite, and small river rocks. They are used to make pathways, flower beds, or ground covers because they compact well and offer a stable surface.
• Medium Stones (1” – 3”) include river rocks, slate chips, and medium-sized gravel. They are useful for dry creek beds, underneath trees, and as highlights.
• Large Stones (3” and up) include cobblestones, boulders, and large river rocks. They are extensively used as borders, retaining walls, and focal points in stone garden designs.

3. Analyze Your Surroundings Weather Patterns

Different stones perform better in other climates. For example: 

• Rainy regions should avoid absorbing moisture because the highly porous stones can soak up the water and grow algae or moss. 
• Use stones that are light in color in hot areas, as these reflect heat. White pebbles for landscaping are optimal in sunny spots. 
• Granite and slate are best suited for cold regions because they can endure freezing temperatures without shattering.

Best Decorative Stones for Landscaping

2. River Rock

River rocks are round, smooth stones made from a mixture of earth tones, which makes them perfect for landscaping. These rocks work great for rock gardens, various decorative garden stones, and drainage areas. Additionally, their polished look enables the rocks to blend seamlessly in modern landscapes. 

• Best for: Surrounding ponds, dry creek beds, pathways, and edging.
• Cons: Its smooth, round shape makes it unsuitable for driveways and walkways, as it does not compact well. Deep gaps can form and require maintenance from time to time.

3. Crushed Granite

This type of stone looks more natural and can be used in driveways and walkways. Crushed granite also compacts easily and stays in place.

• Best for: Flower beds, patios and pathways.
• Cons: Although it makes an excellent building stone, walking barefoot is uncomfortable. In dry weather, it tends to get very dusty, and when it rains, fine granite dust gets washed away, making it necessary to replace it frequently. 

4. Lava Rock

This red-black rock can greatly enhance the overall beauty of your landscape by adding a more contemporary style. Its lightweight and porous texture enables it to hold moisture. 

• Best for: Low-maintenance rock gardens, replacing mulch, and improving landscapes that are friendly for droughts.
• Cons: Lava rock is uncomfortable to walk on due to its edged surface and can scatter easily in heavy rains. It can also be challenging to achieve your desired style with lava rock because of its bold colors.

5. Flagstone

Flagstone is a type of rock used for construction. It comes in large, flat pieces, which makes it ideal for walkways and decorative pavers. It is also very effective when used as garden stone because its natural and uneven shape gives it a rustic look. 

• Best for: Flagstone is best used for stepping stones, patios, and garden paths.
• Cons: As with many decorative stones, flagstone is more costly than others, particularly for larger areas. Improper installation may lead to shifting and cracking, which could cause significant issues. In addition, if algae or moss develops in shaded areas, the stone surface can become slippery. 

6. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is made up of small stones that come with a smooth surface. With its blend of natural colors, pea gravel can highlight many different landscape styles.  The structure of gravel makes it perfect for use in playgrounds and paths. 

• Best for: Use on walkways, driveways, and for use as ground cover.
• Cons: Because it does not compact like crushed granite, loose pea gravel is an unstable surface that tends to shift too easily.

7. Slate Chips

Slate chips, which are used for gardening, come in a variety of deeply hued gray and blue tones. They are particularly helpful in retaining soil moisture and suppressing weed growth.

• Best for: Modern landscaping, garden stone designs, and flower beds. 
• Cons: Slate chips have highly set brittle forces, which can render them fragile over time and lead to dust formation due to gradual breakage into smaller fragments. For barefoot areas, their sharp edges render them less comfortable, and if wet, they can get slippery. 

8. Cobblestones

A stone that is thick and rounded in shape and provides a classic, timeless look. They are strikingly durable and can handle heavy traffic which makes them ideal for driveways, edging, and garden paths.

• Ideal for Pathways and driveway edges.
• Cons: The biggest con of cobblestones is their price; they tend to be among the costliest stone options available. 

Transform Your Landscape By McGuire Earthworks Inc.

The look and feel of any commercial or residential yard can change completely with appropriate decorative stones for landscaping. McGuire Earthworks Inc. is ready to take up any challenge and provide exceptional stone installation. Our many years of experience and landscaping expertise help us align every landscaping project with your vision.